Spring Blooms: New Beginnings
There’s something about springtime in New Zealand that feels almost otherworldly. Perhaps it’s the way our native flora unfurls in all its curious, untamed glory, or the extraordinary mix of colours, textures, and scents that seem to belong to no other place on Earth.
Flax flowers rise like fireworks, kōwhai trees burst into golden bloom, and delicate ferns unfurl their prehistoric fronds beneath towering canopies of green. The air carries the sweet scent of blossoms, damp earth, and wild growth, while birdsong echoes through the trees as if the whole landscape is waking from an ancient slumber.
As an artist, I’m constantly drawn to the extraordinary shapes, colours, and textures of our natural world, but spring seems to turn the dial up a notch. It’s not simply the arrival of warmer days or a fresh wash of colour, but the feeling of being immersed in a living, breathing world that has evolved in splendid isolation.
There’s a wildness to it, a kind of quiet magic that reminds you just how extraordinary this little corner of the world really is. Somewhere between Dr Seuss and Jurassic Park — it’s whimsical, wildly imaginative, and wonderfully prehistoric. Twisted branches reach skyward, moss carpets the forest floor, and plants with shapes that seem almost invented by an artist’s imagination thrive alongside one another. It’s a landscape that feels both familiar and entirely its own, ancient yet bursting with new life.
A Little Spring Refresh
Following the closure of my little blue cabin shop at Mapua Wharf (see last month’s blog post), I’ve been busy settling into a new rhythm, bringing my retail space home to my studio, and making more room for creativity. But, as it turns out, I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to Mapua after all.
Instead, I’ve found a lovely way to stay connected with the community I love, while making time in my home studio.
New Season, New Space 
Welcome to The Little Big Marquee — a bright, welcoming space where I’ll be popping up on Fridays to share my latest products.
I’ve teamed up with three wonderful women, each bringing something unique to this eclectic little corner of Mapua, in the form of a weekly mini-market of sorts.
There’s Rachel from Pretty Vintage, whose eye for vintage treasures brings character, charm, and a sense of nostalgia to the mix. Tracy from Kim Knitwear creates one-of-a-kind handmade knits using natural fibres. And Janine from Sweetpea Floral Design, whose bespoke seasonal floral arrangements make our Fridays even more fabulous.
Together, we’re creating a space that’s a little bit vintage, a little bit eclectic, and all wonderfully homey — somewhere you can browse at your own pace, discover something unexpected, indulge in some witty conversation, and perhaps find a special treasure to take home.
Blossoming Together
What I love most about this new venture is that it’s about more than simply selling things. It’s about bringing together different creative perspectives, building community, celebrating the people behind the products, and creating a space that feels personal, welcoming, and full of character.
We’re all independent creatives with our own stories, styles, and passions. Rather than a traditional retail experience, we hope The Little Big Marquee will feel like stepping into a little treasure trove, where every corner offers something different and there’s always something new to discover.
And, of course, there’s something rather lovely about buying directly from small, independent businesses. You meet the people behind the products, hear a little of the story behind what they create, and take home something with a bit more meaning.
I’m already learning so much from these talented, savvy women, and it’s been such a joy to become part of this little creative collective. There’s a lovely sense of possibility in bringing our businesses together, and I’m excited to see how our shared space evolves over the coming months.
Pop-up, Pop-in!
Perhaps the biggest silver lining to closing my shop is the time it gives me back. With just one day a week spent at Mapua Wharf, I can now dedicate four days a week to my home studio, painting, illustrating, and dreaming up new collections.
I’m looking forward to sharing more of that creative journey with you, with fresh original artwork, new products, and a spring sale on the horizon. It feels good to be finding a balance that allows me to stay connected with the community while giving my creativity the space it needs to flourish. Come over to Instagram to see my works in progress and follow the journey!
So, if you’re visiting Mapua Wharf, come and find us. We’re just around the corner from my former shop in the little blue cabin, so you won’t have far to wander. We'd love to see you!
The Little Big Marquee every Friday, 10am to 4pm, Aranui Road, Mapua Wharf.
All photos copyright ©Abbey Mae